Korean Tteokbokki with Gochujang Sauce (Print Version)

Chewy rice cakes simmered in spicy gochujang sauce with vegetables, green onions, and sesame seeds. A beloved Korean street food.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice Cakes

01 - 500 g Korean rice cakes (tteok, cylindrical)
02 - 1 quart water

→ Sauce

03 - 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
04 - 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
05 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
06 - 1 tablespoon sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon honey (or corn syrup)
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Broth

09 - 3 cups water
10 - 1 dried kelp (kombu), 3 x 3 inches
11 - 4 dried anchovies, heads and guts removed (optional for vegetarian)

→ Vegetables & Garnish

12 - 2 green onions, sliced diagonally
13 - 1 small onion, sliced
14 - 1/2 cup cabbage, chopped (optional)
15 - 2 boiled eggs, peeled (optional)
16 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

# How To Make It:

01 - Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes if they are hard or refrigerated.
02 - In a medium pot, combine 3 cups water, kelp, and anchovies (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Remove kelp and anchovies, reserving the broth.
03 - Add gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, honey, and minced garlic to the broth. Stir to dissolve the paste completely.
04 - Add rice cakes, onion, and cabbage (if using) to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the rice cakes are soft and chewy.
06 - Add green onions and boiled eggs (if using) in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Irresistible Texture: The cylindrical rice cakes provide a uniquely satisfying chew that pairs perfectly with the thick sauce.
  • Easy to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, it is an accessible way to enjoy authentic Korean flavors at home.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: The recipe is easily adapted for vegetarians by simply preparing the dashi broth with kelp and omitting the anchovies.
02 -
  • Prevent Sticking: Stir the pot occasionally during the simmering process, as the starch from the rice cakes can cause them to stick to the bottom.
  • Sauce Reduction: Allow the sauce to simmer until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency that fully clings to the ingredients.
  • Fresh Garnish: Add the green onions at the very end to preserve their bright color and aromatic freshness.
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